Cuban Crisis and Bay of Pigs Invasion

Cuban Crisis Overview

• Kennedy's first foreign crisis centered on Cuba, 90 miles from Florida.

• Concern arose after Fidel Castro overthrew U.S.-backed leader Fulgencio Batista in 1959.

Castro's Leadership

• Castro claimed to improve conditions for the poor, criticizing exploitation by wealthy Cubans and U.S. companies.

• His government seized large plantations and foreign-owned properties, resulting in broken diplomatic relations with the U.S.

• Ties with the Soviet Union raised fears of revolution across Latin America.

Invasion Plan

• After Kennedy's election, he learned of Eisenhower's 1960 CIA plan to train anti-Castro Cubans to invade.

• Despite Senator Fulbright's cautions about hypocrisy, Kennedy approved the invasion plan.

Bay of Pigs Invasion

• The invasion occurred on April 17, 1961, resulting in a total failure.

• Castro's troops were prepared and defeated the 1,500 U.S.-backed invaders.

• Kennedy refused U.S. air support to keep involvement secret, leading to significant loss of prestige for the U.S.

• The event revealed U.S. attempts to overthrow foreign governments, causing concern among European leaders about Kennedy's leadership style.